Trauma-Informed Care: The Importance of Understanding the Incarcerated Women

Abstract

Numerous studies and research substantiate strong correlations between adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores and corrections. This study assessed the significance of trauma-informed care (TIC) in the recidivism rates of incarcerated women. A retrospective longitudinal survey was conducted. ACE scores were evaluated and documented through a self-reported survey. Seven years of Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions registry documentation was assessed. Descriptive statistics were utilized to define patients and evaluate patterns of recidivism after implementation of trauma-informed approaches to care. There is strong evidence associating lower recidivism rates for those who participate in TIC and trauma programs than for those who do not. This evidence supports further evaluation with a serious potential impact of reduction in recidivism and improved trajectories for incarcerated women and their families.